April 24, 2013 - 3:23pm
Goalie Jared Rutledge plans on returning to Michigan hockey team next year, contradicting report
BY LIZ VUKELICH
Wednesday morning, a report published by TheWolverine.com said that Jared Rutledge, a freshman goalie for the Michigan hockey team, will not be returning next season. However, Wednesday afternoon, Rutledge said in a text message to the Daily that he will remain with the team.
Coming in from the U.S. Development Program, Rutledge was the presumed starter before the 2012-13 season began but got off to a rough start between the pipes after a 5-4 overtime loss in the season opener against Rochester Institute of Technology.
Rutledge never quite seemed to find his groove in games and often allowed the floodgates to open after an initial goal. Michigan coach Red Berenson consequently spent the first two months of the season rotating between Rutledge and fellow freshman Steve Racine, before giving junior Adam Janecyk a chance as well.
Rutledge posted a 3-6 record in games he started this season with a .854 save percentage. The last time Rutledge saw ice was in a Feb. 9 loss at Notre Dame.
Without a departure, the Wolverines will carry five goalies on their roster. On April 11, Michigan received a late commit for the 2013-14 season from Zach Nagelvoort of the North American Hockey League’s Aberdeen Wings. Nagelvoort will join Racine, Janecyk and redshirt junior Luke Dwyer (who has yet to see game action).
— Managing Editor Matt Slovin contributed reporting.
This story has been updated to include Rutledge‘s remarks.
